Conference Agenda

The 2018 American Beekeeping Federation Conference & Tradeshow agenda is now available! Please review and plot your schedule to make the most of your conference experience. Please be sure to check back often as we continue to update the agenda.

General Session will be held all day on Wednesday, Thursday afternoon and all day on Friday. Sessions will be presented by industry experts and include current research, best practices, legislative updates, and keynote presentations.

SIG Meetings and Track Sessions will be held on Thursday, January 11. These sessions will include topics specific to each stage of beekeeping to include the following tracks:

Small Scale

Serious Sideliner

Package Bee & Queen Breeder

Honey Producer/Packer

Commercial

The Tradeshow is yet another place where you can learn about the latest products and services available to beekeepers. We anticipate more than 75 exhibitors, who are all anxious to meet with you to demonstrate the latest in beekeeping innovations. The Tradeshow will be open each day of the conference beginning on Wednesday afternoon, January 10, and closing on Friday, January 12. Be sure to stop by and visit with each vendor to learn more about enhancements in the beekeeping industry.

Silent Auctions are a tradition of the conference. A variety of honey and bee-themed items will be available through the auction with all proceeds benefiting the ABF Legislative Fund and the American Honey Queen program. Donations for the Silent Auction will be accepted onsite at the conference.

The Auxiliary Lunch/Meeting will be held on Thursday afternoon, January 11. Join us for a delicious lunch and the opportunity to meet the 2018 Honey Queen and Princess candidates. Also participate in the business meeting and learn more about how you can get involved. ALL ARE WELCOME! * Separate registration is required and additional fees apply!

The Thursday Night Social is a great opportunity to meet with fellow beekeepers for some fun and a bit of competition. Dig out your bowling balls and start forming your teams. This social will take place right at the Grand Sierra Resort in their 50-lane bowling alley. The evening will include dinner and entertainment in additional to bowling. Be sure to register for this entertaining night of fun!

* Separate registration is required and additional fees apply!

The Foundation Luncheon will be held on Friday, January 12, and will feature a keynote presentation as well as brief presentations from the 2018 Foundation Scholarship Recipients. * Separate registration is required and additional fees apply!

The 2018 American Honey Show will also be held during the conference. This is a prime opportunity to showcase your bees' abilities to produce the purest honey, the best wax and the most goodies. The Honey Show will showcase the best examples of honey and beeswax. It includes 12 classes for honey, four for beeswax and the gift basket class. After the entries are judged, they will be auctioned to benefit the American Honey Queen Program.

The Commercial Beekeepers Workshop/Breakfast features a panel discussion followed by workshop activities. The breakfast will be held on Saturday, January 13, from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM. This session is complimentary to all commercial beekeepers (member status will be verified) and does require registration. Note: Space is limited so be sure to register early.

Saturday Workshops will include 15 different topics and feature hands-on instruction and interactive participation. Workshops will be offered from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 13. Come learn how to make creamed honey, more on bee biology, or see a encaustic artist hard a work.

The ABF Annual Banquet will be held on Saturday evening. The banquet will feature:

A celebration of ABF's 75th Anniversary

The presentation of the President's Award and the Hoopingarner Award

The ABF Sweepstakes and live auction

The coronation of the 2018 American Honey Queen and Princess - *Separate registration is required and additional fees apply!

ABF Annual Banquet with the Coronation of the 2018 American Honey Queen and Princess (Optional) *

* Additional registration fee required

As you can see, this conference is packed full of educational sessions, social and networking activities and lots of opportunities to learn about new products and services. Join us at the 2018 American Beekeeping Federation Conference & Tradeshow for a celebration like no other!